A Conversation for Arthurian Legends

Old legends, New legends

Post 1

Huw B

The legends were supposedly passed from the West British via the Bretons (who spoke a similar language) to France and the rest of Europe. It was only then (via the Normans?) that they came back to Britain and became well known to the English. By this time though, the legends had acquired some elements that weren't in the originals.

For example, although characters such as Arthur, Gwenhwyfar and Myrddin seem to be original it appears that Lancelot was a French development. Also, it seems that the Round Table was nicked from Charlemagne.

The English of course did the greatest job on him by turning the man known for fighting against the invading Anglo-Saxons into an English hero!


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Old legends, New legends

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